Glasgow Coma Scale: Do It This Way!

Forty years since it was first described, the Glagow Coma Scale has become an integral part of clinical practice and research across the world.

There is now a new structured approach to assessment to improve the accuracy, reliability and communication of the Scale.

The Scale was described in 1974 by Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett (Assessment of coma and impaired consciousness. A practical scale. Lancet 1974; 2:81-4.) as a way to communicate about the level of consciousness of patients with an acute brain injury.

The findings using the scale guide initial decision making and monitor trends in responsiveness that are important in signalling the need for new actions.

Alan is a critical care paramedic, paramedic educator and prehospital researcher, currently working around the world as an educator and researcher. He has previously worked and studied across Europe, North America and the Middle East. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Paramedic Studies, and an MSc in Critical Care. His main interests are in care of the elderly, end-of-life care, patient safety, professionalism (including role and identity), and paramedic education.